Japan Immigration Made Easy: Everything You Should Know

Moving to another country is always filled with surprises, and Japan is certainly first on that list! Japan is one of the world’s leading economies and a powerful country in the global geopolitical scene. Japan offers not only a high GDP and income, but it is also a global leader in technology and artificial intelligence. It is more technologically advanced than most countries in the world. 

Japan also has a powerful influence in the global food and entertainment industry and is a leading exporter of goods and services worldwide.

These reasons have made many foreigners move to Japan for good. Are you one of them, too, but just don’t know where to start? You’ve found the right website! On this page, we will cover everything you need to know before you kick-start your Japan immigration process. 

Why Should You Move To Japan?

Besides its industrial and technological development, Japan has loads to offer as a country too. Japanese society is very polite and hardworking. The country in itself, too, has an abundance of nature, historical significance, heritage lands, and so on. Here are some of the most important reasons to convince you to move to Japan and start your Japan immigration from India process today. 

1. Employment Opportunities 

Japan has loads of employment opportunities for expats. Due to its stable and growing economy, Japanese companies offer high salaries as well. Plus, Japan is home to many different industries, from food and beverage to technology and entertainment, so you have a variety of industries to choose from. Language and translation are two of the biggest industries in Japan, and linguists get paid quite well. Employment opportunities are one of the main reasons for boosting Japan immigration.

2. High Quality Of Life 

Japanese culture places a lot of emphasis on a high quality of life. Everything from skincare to food, hospitals, and schools - has set a very high standard in the global market. The quality of life is good as the production is very people-centric, and there is no compromise on quality due to mass production or anything of the sort, making Japan immigration even more lucrative. 

3. A Delectable Cuisine 

Japanese food is one of a kind. It is delicious, but also very healthy. The food is sourced through organic, toxin-free markets and is made with great care. Moreover, Japanese food is renowned for its great taste and health benefits as well- another reason to get started on your Japan immigration process! 

4. Natural Wonders 

Despite its wonderful technological development and rapid industrialization, Japan still has ample natural land, maintaining a healthy ecological balance. From Mount Fuji to Mount Yoshino, and the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Japan has so many natural wonders for your experience and exploration. After a long week of work, there is nothing like a trip to rural Japan and its natural landscapes to rejuvenate yourself. Doesn't this make you want to start your Japan immigration process too?

5. Efficient Public Transportation 

Japan has one of the world's easiest and most convenient commuting systems. With various trains, buses (for a short distance and long-distance commutes), car rentals, taxi systems, bicycles, and so on, transportation in Japan has never been easier. Plus, the transport systems in Japan are the most punctual ones in the world- another reason why Japanese immigration is favored globally. So, getting to and from work will be very easy for you, and so will moving around and exploring the country! 

Also Read: Japan Tourist Visa: Application Process for Indians

Types Of Visas For Japan Immigration 

Getting a visa is the first step in the process of Japan Immigration from India. Japan offers about 30 different types of visas for expats to avail themselves of when moving to Japan. 

 

Out of the above-given visas, you can avail yourself of one of the following to move to Japan for work.

1. Japan Working Visa

The Japan work visa allows you to live and work in Japan. This visa can be renewed every 5 years and is issued to different industry professionals. Every expat must hold this visa for working in Japan to facilitate Japan immigration from India.

Documents required for Japan work visa:

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

• Application form for the visa 

• Valid passport (with copies)

• Passport-sized pictures with Japanese specifications

• Documents validating your position in your company or organization 

• Industry-specific documents for your skill set

2. Japan Highly Skilled Professional Visa

This visa, introduced in 2012, is designed to draw foreign talent into the country. This visa can be issued by skilled professionals with good industry experience and knowledge (as the name suggests) who wish to avail of Japan immigration. It is based on a points system. The decision about your visa approval depends on how many points you get on this scale. It comes under the country’s skilled immigration visas for Japan. 

This visa can be issued to persons availing Japan Immigration who fit into the following three categories:

• Individuals engaging in advanced academic and research activities, contributing to the education and research sector of the country with a public or private institution 

• Individuals engaging in specialization of technical activities in the fields of STEM or liberal arts 

• Individuals engaging in advanced organizational, management, or business-related activities who will work in collaboration with a public or private institution in Japan 

According to Japan immigration policy, the applicants availing Japanese skilled immigration should be eligible for this visa based on the following criteria: 

• The applicant must get at least 70 points on the points system for this visa

• You must work only for the employer that sponsors your visa. If you wish to change companies, your new employer just submit a new Certificate Of Eligibility and any other necessary documents. 

Also Read: Application Process for Japan Work Visa for Indians

3. Japan Special Highly Skilled Professional Visa: J-Skip Visa 

This visa was unveiled in 2023, so it is still quite recent. This visa is very similar to the Highly Skilled Professional Visa- you must clear the points system and get above 70 points to avail of it. The J-Skip visa is also a skilled immigration visa in Japan, like its counterpart. 

However, the J-Skip Visa is awarded to a person when their annual income, educational qualifications and work experience meets the minimum threshold. Thus, your academic and professional background must be of a certain level (as decided by Japan immigration policy) to avail this visa. 

According to Japan immigration policy, the applicants should be eligible for this visa based on the following criteria: 

• The applicant must get at least 70 points on the points system for this visa

• The applicant must have a master's degree at least or a higher qualification from an accredited institution 

• The applicant must have an annual income of at least 20 million yen and a work experience of 10 years (for academic and technical specialization applicants)

• The applicant must have an annual income of at least 40 million yen and 5 years of work experience (for business management specialization applicants)

• You must work only for the employer that sponsors your visa. If you wish to change companies, your new employer just submit a new Certificate Of Eligibility, along with any other necessary documents. 

Additionally, you can only apply for this visa when you are visiting Japan for work or are in Japan for any other reasons. It allows you to stay in Japan for 5 years.  

4. Japan Start-Up Visa 

The start-up visa facilitates Japan immigration primarily for foreign nationals who intend to create startups in Japan. Thanks to recent policy changes, the start-up visa offers up to 1 year of residency. Earlier, it offered only 6 months. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan plans on extending it to 2 years without the need for funds or a physical business shop in Japan as well. It comes under the set of visas that bolster Japan's skilled immigration. 

To apply for this visa, apart from the regular set of documents, you also need a New Business Implementation Plan, which covers your proposal for the business you wish to set up in Japan. 

Various municipalities in Japan offer the startup visa. Each municipality's requirements and eligibility differ based on its unique focus. Thus, Japan immigration with this visa depends on the local authorities and what they look for in applicants.

Once you have secured the startup visa and successfully started your company, you can apply for a Business Management Visa. 

5. Japan Job Hunting Visa: J-Find Visa

The J-Find visa is a unique type of visa under the Japanese skilled immigration visa. It allows you to enter Japan for work, even if you do not have an existing job. It boosts Japan's skilled immigration for people from all work backgrounds who wish to work in Japan, thereby attracting skilled professional talent to the country. J-find visa is for those individuals who wish to find a job in Japan and engage in some entrepreneurial work or other financial activities on Japanese soil. 

This visa facilitates immigration and opportunities for people who wish to work in the following sectors:

• Information technology 

• Artificial intelligence 

• Robotics 

• Other technological fields 

Thus, it aims to attract talent into technology- and AI-driven fields. The procedures for this visa application are more streamlined, and J-Find visa holders will receive additional benefits. They can also extend their stay in Japan, and the procedure for them to re-enter the country is also quite simple; so they do not have to go through the whole process of Japan immigration again. 

According to Japan immigration policy, the applicants should be eligible for this visa based on the following criteria: 

• The applicant should be 18 years or older

• The applicant should have at least a bachelor's degree or a higher qualification from an accredited university

• The applicant must have enough personal funds, at least 200,000 yen, to support their stay in Japan

J-Find visa holders can live in Japan for 6 months to 1 year, depending on their visa application and approval. 

The processing time and visa fee for each are mentioned below:

 

Japan Immigration New Rules For Foreigners

There have been a few changes in the Japan immigration policy over the years. These changes directly influence your chances of securing a visa in Japan as well.

In 2024, Japan announced their intentions to double the cap on the number of foreigners eligible for a Japan skilled immigration visa. The limit of foreigners who can enter under Japan's skilled immigration has been increased to 800,000. They can work in Japan for up to 5 years and renew their visa.

Japan also faced criticism for its internship programs for unskilled labour due to low wages and poor work environments. So, the country has been developing a program that aims to improve its unskilled workforce as well. 

This plan will be implemented in 2027, and there will be a cap on how many foreigners can enter Japan through this program. Thus, both skilled and unskilled immigration in Japan are being looked into and worked upon by the Japanese authorities.

TerraTern helps individuals who are interested in applying for skilled immigration visas in Japan. Our team of experts can guide you through the application process, ensuring all requirements are met and increasing your chances of success. We also provide assistance with finding employment opportunities in Japan, connecting you with potential employers and helping you navigate the job market.